Old School Hydro Know-How - Tech Project

A little improvisation was needed to assemble and plumb this black magic retro-style setup.

Building a show setup is always a challenge. There are so many ways to plumb a hydraulic setup. The combinations are different for every car and depend on the needs of your vehicle. This particular setup from Black Magic Hydraulics was designed to have a retro look. It was looking good when it was out of the car, but once it was dropped in, the builders had to scramble and adapt the setup to go with the flow.

This is where Wild Child Customs came in. Pressed for time, the builders asked if Wild Child could lend a helping hand. We were glad to jump on the setup as we haven't really featured anything like this before. The setup was plumbed to work with the car and minor adjustments were made.

The owner had already created a custom tank and provided most of the boss fittings. The rack was also already made. We checked for clearances and to see how much room was left for the car. Once it was all dialed in, we began to bend the tubing, and this setup happened in a few hours. Now follow along as Wild Child Customs assembles and plumbs this Black Magic old school setup.

1. This is what Wild Child Customs had to work with when called in. The situation was assessed and a game plan was arrived at.

1. This is what Wild Child Customs had to work with when called in. The situation was asse

2. After a few adjustments and about $100 in hydraulic fittings, the setup was mocked up for clearance and best looks.

2. After a few adjustments and about $100 in hydraulic fittings, the setup was mocked up f

3. The complete hydraulic rack was removed from the car to allow easier access to the pump.

3. The complete hydraulic rack was removed from the car to allow easier access to the pump

4. Sometimes, less is more, which was the case here. The first things made were the hydraulic lines for the returns. We made sure that everything was square.

4. Sometimes, less is more, which was the case here. The first things made were the hydrau

5. The second part of the line was bent and placed into position before being cut.

6. This three-way #6 AN fitting was lined up before the stainless steel line was cut and flared.

6. This three-way #6 AN fitting was lined up before the stainless steel line was cut and f

7. Dividing up the line and, taking into consideration the room for flares, the line was cut and flanged. The same process was used on the other side that mirrored the setup.

7. Dividing up the line and, taking into consideration the room for flares, the line was c

8. The setup was ready to be test fit in the car to make sure that nothing was in the way before being sent to the chrome and paint shop.

8. The setup was ready to be test fit in the car to make sure that nothing was in the way

9. As you can see, there was enough room to plumb the hydraulic pressures.

10. The setup was ready to be tore down, painted and chromed out for show